Sunday 9 December 2007

Nagambie

Official Club Run

Jeff and I had been nominated to go ahead of the group to secure a barbeque and rotunda for some shade. We left Narre Warren around 8.30am and after filling up with petrol set out for Mitchelton Winery. There were a few bikes on the road as it was the annual toy run but otherwise the traffic was light. We decided to by-pass the Hume Highway and all the traffic lights and take the Hume Freeway.

We arrived at Mitchelton around 11am and secured the second last rotunda next to a huge shady tree very close to the barbeque. John rang to say Lee was having fan belt trouble but that they would be on their way as soon as Rod and Kev had fixed the problem.

(Lee's comments below)

Jeff set out the cricket pitch and it wasn’t long until Steve, Lavonne and the twins arrived. Soon after the rest of the crew arrived and set about cooking the barbeque lunch. As we did not meet the group at Broadmeadows we aren’t sure how many cars travelled to Mitchelton but believe there were around 20.

I must say at this stage that the flies were unbelievable!!! Mary had heard that basil on or near a barbeque keeps flies away so we raided the winery herb garden, not really knowing what basil looked like. We did find some rosemary and something we all thought was basil and put it on the barbeque and it seemed to work quite well. Lee and his family accompanied by Mark and Petra arrived and were lucky enough that a few sausages were left for them to eat.

After lunch the cricket match got underway. All of the children, big and small, were given a turn and everyone enjoyed themselves. There were quite a few catches missed but all involved had a good time. Travis won the inaugural man of the match award (see photo) and received the trophy which is Chris Hall’s cricket bat which Jeff broke last year.

An honourable mention must go to Karen who dropped her wine glass, breaking off the stem, narrowly missed catching the ball and hardly spilled a drop of wine. People started to leave around 3.30pm.

All in all it was a very good day again with good weather and good company.

Jeff and I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and all the best for a happy and safe 2008.

Evelyn

December 2007

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL..

I was taken aback by the comoradery and mateship shown last Sunday on our ill fated end of year trip when one of the Fan belts on the old XB went missing in Action.

A huge thanks to both Rod and Kev who were unbelievable, they had tools boxes out and belts and other bits and pieces going in all directions within minutes, it resembled a V8 super car pit stop.

They performed automotive surgery by the side of the Hume and managed to get us going again.

We hit the road again with excitement we were on our way, but no less than a kilometre down the road the replacement belt had different ideas and let go.

I had no choice to pull over yet again and was surprised to see Mark & Petra who had followed us just to make sure we were ok.

The Irony of it all is that I have a set of hoses and belts in each of my cars, except the XB.. We sat at the Clonbinane and Broadford turn off, patiently waiting for the RACV to come to the rescue from Kilmore. Whilst waiting we had a serious battle on our hands with the local flies. We pulled out all stops and used the aeroguard in double doses which only seemed to work extremely well as an attractant. Mark & Petra and their Kids stayed with us until the RACV Bloke arrived and fitted the belts in no time. With a new new belt fitted we quickly made our way to Mitchellton winery. Thanks to John, Jeff and Evelyn who insured there were a few snags left for us that were devoured in quick succession by the famished late comers.

Once we reached the picnic area we quickly assumed positions in the shade of a grand old tree. We sat back and relaxed and consumed a few beers ( not so cold ones as they had been in the Esky since 9AM) But I was not going to let that spoil a perfect Sunday afternoon.

Thanks to all and I must add it is absolute pleasure to be part of such a great club. Wishing you and your loved ones a merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy new year.

Lee

Photos by Drew Tootell
Click images to see full-size versions